Introducing: The New Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8 — Featuring The...

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Well I'll say this, Omega sure knew how to get under ya'lls skin. First have astronauts in red dance provocatively in the snow on the moon, then release a watch that has absolutely nothing to do with that. Quite the tease.
But the red astronauts are somehow secret code for the supposedly upcoming white dial Speedmaster, or something.
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This thread has exploded somewhat.

Interesting thoughts about pricing. It does seem high to me, but I can understand arguments that, relatively speaking, it isn’t that big a jump. I’m sure more price increases will come, about which I remain unhappy.

I do think the laser ablation looks better and I would personally appreciate the movement update and the slight reduction in thickness.

Not sure how I feel about the rocket seconds hand. I don’t think I like it…
 
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I was actually interested in the original 1869 Apollo 8 just last year but decided against it since I had other watches I wanted more.

The rocket on this watch is a negative for me. Maybe I'll change my mind if I see it in person at a boutique, but I still have other pieces I'd rather get first lol.
 
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you know what I think happened. This Apollo 8 was supposed to get released late last year, with the white dial Speedy being released this year, but for whatever reason things got pushed back. If the theory that the white dial Speedy is an Artemis version, then the delay could be due to the Artemis issues. Either way, I loved the original Apollo 8 and I'll withhold my judgement on this one until I see it in person. The original Apollo 8 also was better in person than photos. The higher detail in the dial and back is a nice improvement, idk how I feel about the rocket second hand, but will see how it looks in person.
 
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Pretty amazing that this thing came in at 13mm thick honestly. That's- should be a big sell point.
you know what I think happened. This Apollo 8 was supposed to get released late last year, with the white dial Speedy being released this year, but for whatever reason things got pushed back. If the theory that the white dial Speedy is an Artemis version, then the delay could be due to the Artemis issues. Either way, I loved the original Apollo 8 and I'll withhold my judgement on this one until I see it in person. The original Apollo 8 also was better in person than photos. The higher detail in the dial and back is a nice improvement, idk how I feel about the rocket second hand, but will see how it looks in person.
 
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Pretty amazing that this thing came in at 13mm thick honestly. That's- should be a big sell point.
yes it is. The original Apollo 8 was pretty thin if I remember correctly, or a least a lot slimmer than the 9300 based DSOTM
 
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I think it looks kinda cool. Not something I’d get if I could a little loud for me but the little social media I’m on this really seems not to have hit home with the regular omega crowd and the price and “lack” of innovation seem to be the main gripes. I try looking at it with an open mind I can see the what people are saying. Mind you there were a number that really thought it was a nice watch so I guess it’s like everything else. Omega certainly does produce a lot of variety and imo that’s a good thing.
 
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I would love a side-by-side real life comparison of the two to see if I could spot the differences (outside of the mini rocket). I was a huge fan of the original release, but could never bet myself to buy one as I purchased other watches instead. I have always felt the A8 was underappreciated, & all the anger around the re-release kind of cements the point for me. I think seeing in real life would give me a different appreciation than the photos.
 
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I would love a side-by-side real life comparison of the two to see if I could spot the differences (outside of the mini rocket). I was a huge fan of the original release, but could never bet myself to buy one as I purchased other watches instead. I have always felt the A8 was underappreciated, & all the anger around the re-release kind of cements the point for me. I think seeing in real life would give me a different appreciation than the photos.

Monochrome did a nice review comparing the two -

https://monochrome-watches.com/new-...f-31092445001001-hands-on-review-specs-price/
 
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This release is not my cup of tea, but happy for those who dig it (I am more into vintage designs).

Makes me think though - for modern designs, can Omega create something that will generate less controversial comments and actually generate positive sales numbers? Looking at this new release and the Seamaster 75 line last year, seems that Omega still hasn't caught onto the "smaller dimensions" trend as many blogs/online outlets are claiming. Also wondering how the spirate racing speedy sales go.

Will we see something that can make a big bang in 2024? Let's keep our fingers collectively crossed.
 
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I love how some people in the threads and comments think this is too expensive and expect to pick up a white dial moonwatch for the same price as the black dial, that that will be priced 'reasonably'. Since it's expected to be just steel and 3861. Just wait until it is released after the next price hike and on par with the Snoopy3. Expect 12500 EUR.
 
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I love how some people in the threads and comments think this is too expensive and expect to pick up a white dial moonwatch for the same price as the black dial, that that will be priced 'reasonably'. Since it's expected to be just steel and 3861. Just wait until it is released after the next price hike and on par with the Snoopy3. Expect 12500 EUR.
Now that kind of talk will upset the white dial dreamers who are imploring Omega to take their money NOW on the expectation that the white dial will be a simple option, "black or white, take your pick, same price, sir".After this last upgrade I'd be afraid, very afraid. 😎
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Now that kind of talk will upset the white dial dreamers who are imploring Omega to take their money NOW on the expectation that the white dial will be a simple option, "black or white, take your pick, same price, sir".After this last upgrade I'd be afraid, very afraid. 😎
What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?
Ceramic bezel?
Spirate maybe?
Precious metals?
 
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What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?
Ceramic bezel?
Spirate maybe?
Precious metals?

* Unlimited edition in VERY strictly limited numbers
 
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What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?
Ceramic bezel?
Spirate maybe?
Precious metals?
Who knows, we have zero details from Omega, none. It's a blank slate. People have convinced themselves it's just a steel watch with standard 3861 movement. After watching Omega's strategy over the last five years, I'm skeptical.
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What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?
Ceramic bezel?
Spirate maybe?
Precious metals?
* Unlimited edition in VERY strictly limited numbers

Exactly this. Look, if you're not willing to pay a 25% markup over the 3861 sapphire for the red astronaut dancing dial, then you're not a real Speedy fan- that simple.

My sarcasm aside, I fully expect to see a thread full of justifications of why it's worth the price point when it comes out "not LE but LN" because of the heritage, or iconic look, or whatever.
 
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What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?

Marketing. I think it will be limited production together with a (good) storyline. Different caseback perhaps. Snoopy3 could be discontinued by the time the white dial speedy surfaces so it can take snoopy's place on the hype train.
 
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What will be the improvements to "justify" the price increase?

Marketing. I think it will be limited production together with a (good) storyline. Different caseback perhaps. Snoopy3 could be discontinued by the time the white dial speedy surfaces so it can take snoopy's place on the hype train.
The justification is that now it makes more sense in the DSotM line-up.

You have to understand that the 2013 version with the red accents and 9300 movement retailed at $12,000 USD at launch. 5 years later in 2018, the original Apollo 8 launched at $9,750. The 2013 version had a standard 9300 movement you could get in the rest of the lineup. The Apollo 8 had a unique and complex dial and almost every part of the movement on the Apollo 8's 1869 movement was finished differently from the standard moonwatch.

So the Apollo 8 was always the weird value watch in the line-up. Now people are just throwing fists in the air because the value proposition is gone.